Katie Lavery Dyslexia Services
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What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed. Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.
Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.
(Rose, 2020)
Signs of Dyslexia
Not all dyslexic individuals will present the same abilities and challenges. Dyslexia exists on a continuum ranging from mild to severe, and is different for everyone. Difficulties may not be noticed in the early years particularly with bright children who may be unconsciously compensating for their difficulties. Symptoms may change over the years depending on the environment and the demands made on the child as they move through school and are required to cope with the increased demands of the curriculum.
It is important to remember that dyslexia is not only a difficulty with reading and spelling. Recent definitions highlight difficulties with memory, organization, speed of processing and word retrieval. It is also recognised that people with dyslexia often have co-occurring difficulties such as dyspraxia or ADHD. Often the symptoms may look similar.
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Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them. As such, each person will show a unique set of strengths and challenges. However, if you know what to look for, there are common signs that can help you to identify whether the difficulties being experienced are consistent with a dyslexic profile. In such cases, further investigation could be beneficial.